Frame joint

ABSTRACT

A frame joint includes first and second elongated bars generally perpendicular to each other, the bars being equilaterally octagonal in cross section, and means for forcing the bars together in such a way that they are stably positioned relative to each other so as to allow neither skewing nor longitudinal slippage of one bar relative to the other when either is under load.

O United States Patent 11113,574,3 4

[72] Inventor Robert J. Langren 2,322,583 6/1943 Marshall 287/54B Alameda, Calif. 2,676,044 4/ 1954 German et a1. 287/49 [21] Appl. No. 806,917 3,425,755 2/1969 Harris 287/51X [22] Filed Mar. 13, 1969 3,447,277 6/ 1969 Korf 287/49X [45] Patented Apr. 13, 1971 3,468,567 9/1969 Attwood et al. 287/51 [73] Assignee Gilbert Hyde Chick Company FQREIGN PATENTS Oakland Call 232,191 1 /l961 Australia 287/54B 20,046 1915 Denmark 287/49 488,217 12/1917 France 287/49 [54] FRAME JOINT 6 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl. 287/51 [51] Int. Cl. F16b 7/00 [50] Field ofSearch 287/49, 51,

50, 54 (C), 54 (B), 54 (E); 24/81 (CR); 339/(Inquired); 248/(lnquired); 292/(lnquired);

Primary ExaminerDavid J. Williamowsky Assista nt ExaminerWayne L. Shedd Att0rney-Mellin, Moore & Weissenberger ABSTRACT: A frame joint includes first and second elongated bars generally perpendicular to each other, the bars being equilaterally octagonal in cross section, and means for forcing the bars together in such a way that they are stably positioned relative to each other so as to allow neither skewing nor longitudinal slippage of one bar relative to the other when either is under load.

PATENTED APmlsn 7 3574.364

- sum 2 or 2 INVENTOR.

ROBERT J. LANGREN //H/m ATTORNEYS FRAME JOINT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to orthopedic frame structures, and, more particularly, to means for joining a pair of elongated frame bars of such a frame structure.

It is well known to provide a framework for use with a hospital bed, such framework generally being used to support a patient in traction. Such a framework generally includes upright and overhead bars which are joined together to support the part of the body in traction.

It will be understood that the joining of the bars in proper fashion is quite critical, as the frame must be as rigid and stable as possible to provide proper support for the part of the body in traction. The known means for joining the bars fall short in this area, allowing a certain amount of skewing of one bar relative to the other under load. Furthermore, the known means for joining the bars are generally quite complicated, requiring a relatively'large number of parts to join the bars, and/or including a number of adjustment means, each of which must be adjusted and tightened to effect the joint. Such complicated means, of course, are inconvenient and time consuming to use.

It is an object of this invention to provide means for joining two elongated bars anywhere along their relative lengths, such means being capable of joining the bars in a rigid manner so that they, and the joint, are capable of supporting a relatively great load.

It is a further object of the invention to provide means for joining two elongated, bars which, while fulfilling the above object, are extremely simple and convenient to use, and require a minimum of parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Broadly stated, the inventive frame joint disclosed herein comprises a first elongated bar, and a second elongated bar positioned to contact the first elongated bar. Means are included for selectively forcing the first and second bars together and into contact with each other, meanwhile limiting the skewing in all directions of one bar relative to the other. Such means comprise a generally Ushaped member defining a bottom portion and a pair of generally parallel sides which define apertures through which the first elongated bar is disposed, the second elongated bar being disposed between the sides of the generally U-shaped member and between the bottom portion thereof and the first longitudinal bar, and bolt means threaded through the generally U-shaped member at an angle between and 90 from the longitudinal axis of the first elongated bar to bear on the second elongated bar and force the second elongated bar against the first elongated bar and one side of the generally U-shaped member. The contacting surface areas of the two bars and between the second bar and the U-shaped member are relatively large so that sliding of these parts relative to each other does not occur.

As an alternative embodiment, in conjunction with a first bar of equilaterally octagonal cross section, such selective forcing means may comprise a block having an aperture of octagonal cross section through which the first elongated bar is disposed, and means for bearing on the second elongated bar to force it against and into contact with the first elongated bar, the inner surface of the aperture opposite the contacting surfaces of the bars being recessed so that the first elongated bar bears only against the surfaces of the apertures adjoining the recessed surface. The contacting surface areas of the two bars, and between the first bar and the block, are relatively large so that sliding of these parts relative to each other does not occur.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the frame joint;

FIG. 2 is a view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the U-shaped member and bolt means of the first embodiment of frame joint;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the frame joint;

FIG. 6 is a view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the block of the second embodiment of the frame joint; and

FIG. 8 is a view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Shown generally in FIGS. l-3, is the first frame joint embodiment 10. The joint 10 includes an elongated bar 12, and an elongated bar 14. The bars 12, 14 are equilaterally octagonal in cross section. A generally U-shaped member 16 (FIG. 4) cooperates with bars 12 and 14. U-shaped member 16 is composed of a bottom portion 18 and generally parallel sides 20, 22. These sides 20, 22 define equilaterally octagonal apertures 21, 23, through which bar 12 is slidably disposed in perpendicular relation to the sides 20, 22. The elongated bar 14 is disposed between sides 20, 22 of the U-shaped member 16, and between the bottom portion 18 and the bar 12 so that one surface thereof contacts one surface of the bar 12. The bars 12, 14, when so positioned are in generally perpendicular relation to each other.

A bolt 24 is threaded through U-shaped member 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of bar 14 and at an angle of about 45 from the longitudinal axis of the bar 12. The bolt 24, when tightened, bears on the surface 14A of the bar 14 and forces the surface 14B of bar 14 against 12, and surface 14C against side 20 of the U-shaped member 16. The contacting surfaces of bars 12 and 14, and the contacting surfaces of bar 14 against side 20 are quite large, to keep these parts from sliding relative to each other. With this arrangement, it will be seen that bars 12 and 14 are held quite rigidly relative to one another, and it is ensured that one bar cannot skew or slide in any direction relativeto the other. A strong joint between bars 12 and 14 is thus achieved.

It will be understood that bolt 24 need not be threaded through at an angle of 45 from the longitudinal axis of bar 12.

It is important only that force be applied to the bar 12 so that surface 14B thereof is forced against bar 12, and surface 14C is forced against side 20 of the U-shaped member 16. To achieve such forcing or wedging, the bolt may be threaded through the U-shaped member 16 at any angle between 0 and from the longitudinal axis of bar 12 (as the cross sections of the bars used may dictate), so that bar 14 receives force from three directions.

FIGS. 5-8 show a second embodiment of frame joint 50. In this embodiment, elongated bars 12 and 14' are identical to the bars 12 and 14 previously described, being positioned to bear against each other. However, the means for forcing these bars 12', 14 together so that they do not skew or slide relative to each other are quite different.

In this embodiment, a block 52 has an aperture 54 therein of octagonal cross section, through which bar 12' is disposed, the cross-sectional octagon of the aperture 54 being slightly larger than the cross-sectional octagon of bar 12' to allow the bar 12' therethrough. A hinge member 56 is pivotally fixed to the block 52 and, when pivoted toward the block 50, defines with the block 52 an aperture 58. The aperture 58 is of octagonal cross section, and bar 14' is disposed therethrough. These apertures 54, 58 communicate with each other through opening 60 (FIGS. 6, 7, 8) to allow contacting of the bars 12', 14'.

A stud 62 is pivotally fixed to the block 52, and is positionable into a slot 63 in hinge member 56. A nut 64 threads onto stud 62, and bears on the hinge member 56 as it is tightened on stud 62. The hinge member 56 in turn bears on bar 14' to force it against and into contact with bar 12'.

The inner surface 54A of aperture 54, opposite the contacting surfaces 14A, 12A of bars 14, 12', is recessed to an extent so that it is not contacted by bar 12'. In fact, since the cross section of the aperture 54 is slightly larger than the cross section of the bar 14, only the surfaces 54B, 54C, adjoining the recessed surface 54A, are contacted by bar 14. The bar 14' thus receives force from three directions, similar to the previous embodiment.

Similar to aperture 54, aperture 58, formed by block 52 and hinge member 56, has its inner surface 58A, opposite the contacting surfaces 12A, 14A, recessed to an extent so that it does not contact the bar 14'. The aperture 58 is configured so that only the surfaces 58B, 58C adjoining the recessed surface 58A are contacted by the bar 14'. The bar 12' thus also receives force from three directions. The contacting surface areas of the bars 12', 14' are relatively large, as are the contacting areas between (i) bar 12 and block 52, and (ii) bar 14' and the block-and-hinge member assembly. Because of such arrangement, bars 12', 14' are held quite rigidly and stably relative to each other, and no skewing or sliding will occur.

Block 52 and hinge member 56, it should be noted, lend themselves quite conveniently to simple diecasting. Apertures 54, 58 need not be machined in any way. As the castings cool, apertures 54, 58 will increase in size to an extent. But as long as surface 54A is recessed sufiiciently to ensure that only surfaces 54B, 54C bear on bar 12', the slight oversize of aperture 54 does not affect the holding of bar 12', since the bar 12 is wedged into surfaces 54B, 54C.

, Similarly, as long as surface 54A is recessed sufiiciently to ensure that only surfaces 58B, 58C bear on bar 12, bar 12 will be properly held against bar 12'.

Both embodiments of frame joint, it will be seen, are capable of joining a pair of bars in a rigid and stable manner so that the bars and the joint are capable of supporting relatively great weight. Both embodiments are extremely simple and convenient to use, and require a minimum of parts.

I claim:

1. A frame joint comprising:

first and second elongated bars substantially octagonal in cross section; a generally U-shaped member having a bottom portion and a pair of generally parallel side portions having aligned substantially octagonally shaped apertures therein, said first bar extending through said apertures, said apertures being substantially larger than the cross section of said the second of said bars being disposed in said U-shaped member below said bottom portion and between the side portions thereof and generally perpendicular to said first bar extending through said aligned apertures; and

forcing means associated with said second bar for forcing both at least one of the elongated side faces of said octagonally shaped second bar against one of the elongated side faces of the octagonally shaped first bar and at least one of the remaining elongated side faces of said second bar against at least one of the side portions of said U-shaped member, thereby limiting skewing in all directions of one bar relative to the other.

2. A frame joint according to claim 1 wherein said forcing means includes bolt means threaded through the generally U- shaped member at an angle of approximately 45 from the longitudinal axis of the first elongated bar and bearing against one of the octagonal faces of said second elongated bar.

3. A frame joint comprising:

first and second elongated bars substantially octagonal in cross section;

a block member having a substantially octagonally shaped aperture therein and having said first bar extending therethrough, said aperture being substantially larger than the cross section of said first bar;

forcing means associated with said block member in a manner forming a second substantially octagonally shaped aperture with said block member communicating with said first-mentioned a erture and having said second bar extending therethroug substantially perpendicular to said first bar, said second aperture being substantially larger than the cross section of said second bar, and said forcing means forcing both at least one of the elongated side faces of said octagonally shaped second bar against at least one of the elongated side faces of said first bar and at least one of the remaining elongated side faces of said second bar against at least one of the side faces forming said second aperture, thereby limiting skewing in all directions of one bar relative to the other.

4. The joint of claim 3 wherein said first aperture includes eight interconnected surfaces forming said first aperture, and said surface opposite the contacting side surfaces of said bars is recessed so that the side faces of said first bar bear against only the surfaces forming said first aperture adjoining said recessed surface and not the surface opposite the contacting side surfaces of said bars.

5. A frame joint according to claim 1 wherein the forcing means for forcing the second elongated bar against and into contact with the first elongated bar comprise:

a hinge member pivotally fixed to, the block member and, when pivoted toward the block member, defining with the block member said second aperture through which the second elongated bar is disposed with said second aperture communicating with the first-mentioned aperture to allow contacting of the first and second elongated bars; and

means for drawing the block member and binge member together so that the hinge member forces the second elongated bar against and into contact with the first elongated bar.

6. A frame joint according to claim 5 wherein the means for drawing the block member and hinge member together comprise a stud pivotally fixed to the block member, and a nut threadedly engaged with the stud to bear on the hinge member as it is tightened on the stud. 

1. A frame joint comprising: first and second elongated bars substantially octagonal in cross section; a generally U-shaped member having a bottom portion and a pair of generally parallel side portions having aligned substantially octagonally shaped apertures therein, said first bar extending through said apertures, said apertures being substantially larger than the cross section of said first bar; the second of said bars being disposed in said U-shaped member below said bottom portion and between the side portions thereof and generally perpendicular tO said first bar extending through said aligned apertures; and forcing means associated with said second bar for forcing both at least one of the elongated side faces of said octagonally shaped second bar against one of the elongated side faces of the octagonally shaped first bar and at least one of the remaining elongated side faces of said second bar against at least one of the side portions of said U-shaped member, thereby limiting skewing in all directions of one bar relative to the other.
 2. A frame joint according to claim 1 wherein said forcing means includes bolt means threaded through the generally U-shaped member at an angle of approximately 45* from the longitudinal axis of the first elongated bar and bearing against one of the octagonal faces of said second elongated bar.
 3. A frame joint comprising: first and second elongated bars substantially octagonal in cross section; a block member having a substantially octagonally shaped aperture therein and having said first bar extending therethrough, said aperture being substantially larger than the cross section of said first bar; forcing means associated with said block member in a manner forming a second substantially octagonally shaped aperture with said block member communicating with said first-mentioned aperture and having said second bar extending therethrough substantially perpendicular to said first bar, said second aperture being substantially larger than the cross section of said second bar, and said forcing means forcing both at least one of the elongated side faces of said octagonally shaped second bar against at least one of the elongated side faces of said first bar and at least one of the remaining elongated side faces of said second bar against at least one of the side faces forming said second aperture, thereby limiting skewing in all directions of one bar relative to the other.
 4. The joint of claim 3 wherein said first aperture includes eight interconnected surfaces forming said first aperture, and said surface opposite the contacting side surfaces of said bars is recessed so that the side faces of said first bar bear against only the surfaces forming said first aperture adjoining said recessed surface and not the surface opposite the contacting side surfaces of said bars.
 5. A frame joint according to claim 1 wherein the forcing means for forcing the second elongated bar against and into contact with the first elongated bar comprise: a hinge member pivotally fixed to the block member and, when pivoted toward the block member, defining with the block member said second aperture through which the second elongated bar is disposed with said second aperture communicating with the first-mentioned aperture to allow contacting of the first and second elongated bars; and means for drawing the block member and hinge member together so that the hinge member forces the second elongated bar against and into contact with the first elongated bar.
 6. A frame joint according to claim 5 wherein the means for drawing the block member and hinge member together comprise a stud pivotally fixed to the block member, and a nut threadedly engaged with the stud to bear on the hinge member as it is tightened on the stud. 